Stihl Trimmer Engine Won't Cut Off
#1
09-03-14, 07:31 AM
Stihl Trimmer Engine Won't Cut Off
I have a Stihl trimmer that seems to be working perfectly...
HOWEVER,
When I move the toggle switch to the Off position, the engine keeps running. I have to disconnect the spark plug cable to turn it off.
When I reconnect it, I can start the trimmer again without issue and use it normally, but will again need to disconnect the spark plug to turn it off.
Any way I can fix this on my own or am I on my way to the repair shop?
Thanks in advance.
HOWEVER,
When I move the toggle switch to the Off position, the engine keeps running. I have to disconnect the spark plug cable to turn it off.
When I reconnect it, I can start the trimmer again without issue and use it normally, but will again need to disconnect the spark plug to turn it off.
Any way I can fix this on my own or am I on my way to the repair shop?
Thanks in advance.
#2
09-03-14, 08:15 AM
Group Moderator
It's probably either a broken or disconnected switch. The coil has two wires coming from it. One is the spark plug wire and the other is the kill wire. That kill wire gets grounded to kill the spark and turn the engine off. If that wire or switch is broken the engine will keep running.
#3
09-03-14, 08:45 AM
I haven't opened up the trimmer yet to investigate, but that almost certainly is the issue... Would you recommend attempting a repair/replace job on the kill wire and/or the entire switch myself or is this something better left to a professional?
#4
09-03-14, 04:06 PM
Group Moderator
That's entirely up to you. Do you have some basic tools and a desire to fix it or do you just want to hand it to someone else to fix? If you want to tackle it I'd recommend taking pictures of everything at every step so you can put it back together.
I remember long ago working in a cubicle and wearing a tie the rototiller I inherited from my grandfather quit working. I poked at it a bit and ended up taking night classes at the local high school in small engine repair. It was an incredible experience. After working in an office all day it was fun to get dirty and work with my hands and learn something new.
I remember long ago working in a cubicle and wearing a tie the rototiller I inherited from my grandfather quit working. I poked at it a bit and ended up taking night classes at the local high school in small engine repair. It was an incredible experience. After working in an office all day it was fun to get dirty and work with my hands and learn something new.
#5
09-04-14, 05:50 AM
I have plenty of tools and feel confident saying I am mechanically inclined to a degree. I try to fix my own stuff whenever possible though I haven't had experience working with engines. I've thought about getting some training in small engine repair many times for situations just like this, though it just hasn't come to fruition yet. I may open it up just to take a look at the complexity of the thing and decide then, but the desire to not screw up the trimmer further will likely persuade me to take it into the shop. It doesn't sound like this would be too terribly expensive. Thanks very much for all your insight Dane. It is very much appreciated.
#6
09-04-14, 07:19 AM
Group Moderator
I don't think you'll be getting into the engine. It's probably something under the plastic outer shell. You'll just need to pay attention to how things like the throttle and choke linkages hook back up if you need to disconnect them.
#7
09-04-14, 07:25 AM
Excellent. That shouldn't be a problem, then.
Can you recommend a good place online to buy stihl parts by any chance?
Can you recommend a good place online to buy stihl parts by any chance?
#9
09-04-14, 08:29 AM
I figured that out after doing some searching online... I usually buy and have my Stihl equipment serviced at the local Ace Hardware. Do you think I'd be able to order a part through/from them?
#10
09-04-14, 09:53 AM
Group Moderator
I have been able to. Usually they have what I need in stock but they can get anything within a couple days.
